Tattoo Program

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Tattoo Program
Iowa Deparment of Public Health



On July 8, 2009, the State Board of Health adopted the revised 641 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 22, "Practice of Tattooing". The rules will go into effect on January 1, 2010, and will include new requirements for tattoo artists/permanent color technologists, establishments, and inspectors.

Artists or establishment owners who fail to meet the requirements of Iowa Code section 135.37 or 641 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 22 shall be guilty of a serious misdemeanor.

Iowa Tattoo Regulations:
Iowa Code Section 135.37
641 Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 22 (Not effective until January 1, 2010)
Artist Permit Requirements:
Must provide documentation of Bloodborne Pathogens and Standard First Aid training.
Must have a high school diploma or G.E.D. (Artists permitted prior to Jan 1, 2010 will be grandfathered)
Must be 18 years of age to receive a permit. (Must submit a copy of birth certificate or other equivalent document)
Annual, nonrefundable application fee of $75
2010 Application for a Tattoo Artist Permit
Establishment Permit Requirements:
Must be inspected annually.
Must keep client records for a period of three years.
Annual, nonrefundable application fee of $100.
2010 Application for Permit to Operate a Tattoo Establishment
Other Permits:
Application for Mobile Unit Permit
Application for Temporary Establishment Permit
Current lists of permitted tattoo artists and establishments:
Licensed Tattoo Artists
Licensed Tattoo Establishments